TRIO Programs Explained

Many first-generation students in the United States hear about TRIO from a teacher or counselor and are not sure what it is. The short version is that TRIO is a set of federally funded programs designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds reach, stay in and finish higher education. The programs are run locally, by schools, colleges and community organizations, so what is on offer depends on where you live and study. This guide explains the main types and how to find them.

Program names, funding and eligibility change with government policy and local grants. This guide uses no figures and is general information. Confirm details with the program or the official government education website. The programs described are US-based, and similar schemes exist in other countries under different names.

What TRIO is

TRIO is a group of programs created by US federal law and funded through the Department of Education. The name refers to its original three programs, and it has since grown to include several more. The programs are not run from a single office. Instead, colleges, universities and community organizations apply for grants to run them locally, and students apply to the local program.

The common goals are to help students:

• Prepare for college academically and practically.
• Apply and get financial aid.
• Stay enrolled and succeed.
• Move on to graduate study.

They serve students who are first-generation, lower-income or have disabilities, and in some cases veterans, among others. Eligibility rules vary by program.

The main program types

Other related programs exist, and names and availability change. Always check the current list on the official government website and with your school.

Typical services

Services depend on the program, but common ones include:

• Academic tutoring and workshops.
• Advising and college planning.
• Help with applications and financial aid forms. Our guide to financial aid for first-generation students explains the process.
• College visits and summer programs.
• Mentoring and peer support.
• Career exploration.
• Financial literacy workshops.
• Graduate school preparation, including research experience and test preparation in some programs.
• Sometimes stipends or grant aid, depending on the program.

Most TRIO programs are free to participants, but check each one's details.

Who is eligible

Eligibility depends on the program, but typical criteria include:

• First-generation status, often defined as parents who did not complete a four-year degree.
• Income limits, based on household size and income, in many programs.
• A documented disability, for some.
• Veteran status, for some.
• Being in a specific age group or school level.

Many programs serve students who meet at least one criterion, with a requirement that a certain share meet both. Our guide to what first-generation student means explains why definitions vary. Ask the program how they define eligibility and what documents you need.

Joining a program

1. Ask your school counselor or advising office whether a program serves your school or college.
2. Search the college website for the names of programs.
3. Contact the program office directly, and ask how to apply.
4. Complete the application, which may include proof of eligibility, such as income or education records.
5. Attend an orientation, if offered.
6. Take part regularly. Programs often have participation requirements.

Spaces can be limited, so apply early.

Getting the most from a program

• Show up and use the services. Students who engage regularly benefit most.
• Build a relationship with staff, who can become mentors and advocates.
• Ask questions about aid, majors and careers.
• Use the community. Meeting others in the program can reduce isolation.
• Take advantage of extras, such as research opportunities and trips.
• Stay in touch after you leave, since staff often help alumni.

McNair and graduate preparation

Some TRIO programs focus on helping undergraduate students prepare for doctoral study. These programs typically offer research opportunities with faculty, seminars on graduate school, help with applications and sometimes stipends. If you are thinking about a PhD, ask your college whether such a program exists.

If you do not qualify or there is no program

Programs are limited, and not every student qualifies or lives near one. Other options include:

• State and local college access programs and scholarships.
• Nonprofit and community organizations that support first-generation students.
• School and college counselors, who may offer similar help informally.
• College first-generation programs that are not federally funded.
• Online communities and resources.
• Mentors, such as teachers, alumni and older students.

Ask staff: "What programs exist for students like me?" They often know of options that are not widely advertised.

Outside the United States

Many countries have similar schemes, often called widening participation, access or outreach programs. They may be run by governments, universities or charities, and may focus on first-generation, low-income or underrepresented groups. If you are outside the US, ask the university's access or outreach office what is available.

Keeping your place

Programs usually expect participation.

• Attend sessions and meet deadlines.
• Keep your grades in good standing, if required.
• Respond to messages.
• Tell staff if your circumstances change.
• Complete required forms each year.

Missing requirements can mean losing your place, so keep in touch.

A worked example

Imagine a high school student whose parents did not attend college. His counselor mentions an Upward Bound program run by a nearby university. He applies, is accepted and attends tutoring sessions and a summer residential program on campus. There he learns about financial aid and meets college students from similar backgrounds. As a senior, he gets help with applications and fee waivers, and later joins a Student Support Services program at the college he attends, where an adviser helps him choose courses and find a campus job.

By joining early and staying engaged, he found guidance at each stage.

Questions to ask a TRIO program

Before applying, ask: Who is eligible, and what documents do I need? What services do participants receive? Is there a cost? How often must I take part? What happens after I finish? Do alumni get support? Write down the answers, and compare them if more than one program serves your area.

How funding affects availability

Because these programs depend on grants, they can change or end when funding changes, and a program that served your school last year may not next year. If you find a program, apply promptly, and ask staff how stable it is and what alternatives exist if it closes.

Combining TRIO with other help

A program rarely covers everything. Pair it with scholarships, campus advising, tutoring and mentors, and tell staff what else you are using so they can fill gaps instead of duplicating help. Students who combine several sources of support tend to feel less stretched.

Spreading the word

If you benefit from a program, tell classmates and younger students it exists. Many eligible students never hear of these programs, and word of mouth from peers is often how people find them.

Common mistakes

• Not asking whether a program exists near you.
• Assuming you do not qualify.
• Applying late, when spaces are filled.
• Joining but not participating.
• Missing paperwork and renewals.
• Ignoring other programs when TRIO is not available.
• Not telling staff what you need.

A quick checklist

• Have I asked my school or college about TRIO and similar programs?
• Do I understand the eligibility rules and the documents needed?
• Have I applied and kept my place?
• Am I using the services regularly?
• Do I have a plan if no program is available?

Final thoughts

TRIO programs are one of the most established forms of help for students who are first in their families, lower-income or facing other barriers. They are local, so you have to look for them. Ask your counselor or college, apply early and use what is on offer. If there is no program near you, other sources of support exist, and asking is the first step to finding them.